Hey LeoSquad! This Chengdu Travel Guide isn’t just about ticking off places to see. it’s about the little moments I had in a city where old teahouses cozy up next to shiny skyscrapers, and life feels both laid-back and full of flavor (literally, thanks to all that spice!). So grab a cup of tea or maybe a cold beer. And come along as I share the 9 spots that made Chéngdū (成都) completely unforgettable for me.

Let’s be real, you can’t talk about Chéngdū (成都) without talking about pandas. But the Chéngdū Research Base 成都大熊猫繁育研究基地 is so much more than a zoo; it’s a serene, 200-acre sanctuary. My biggest tip? Set that alarm. I arrived just before 8 AM, the morning air still cool and fresh, and was rewarded with the sight of these adorable giants wide awake, munching on bamboo, climbing, and tumbling around like the clumsy, fluffy bundles of joy they are.

By midday, giant panda mostly snoozing, so trust me on this: an early start is non-negotiable. Seeing the conservationists’ dedication firsthand was humbling, and at 168 RMB for an annual pass, it’s a steal if you’re staying awhile.

Stepping onto jǐnlǐ Ancient Street (锦里古街 ) is like walking into a living history book that dates back over 1800 years. By day, it’s a vibrant hub of sizzling street food (try everything), artisan shops, and the constant, inviting chatter from traditional teahouses.

But my secret? Come back at night. I’ll never forget the moment the red lanterns flickered on, casting a warm, mystical glow over the cobblestones. The daytime hustle melted away, replaced by this enchanting, almost magical atmosphere. I visited twice for this very reason, and the nighttime experience is something that has stayed with me ever since.

Just a short walk from jǐnlǐ’s (锦里) energy, the Wǔ hóu Shrine (武侯祠) offers a moment of profound peace. This temple is a tribute to Zhūgě Liàng (诸葛亮), the brilliant strategist of the Three Kingdoms era. Wandering through the quiet courtyards under ancient cypress trees, past stone tablets and grand halls, you can almost feel the weight of history and legacy here. It’s a place for quiet reflection, far from the city’s modern buzz.

This was one of my favorite surprises. Once a Qing-era neighborhood, these three parallel alleys—Wide, Narrow, and Well—beautifully encapsulate Chéngdū (成都)’s spirit. Wide Alley (Kuan Xiangzi) lets you soak in the old-world charm with its traditional architecture. Narrow Alley (Zhai Xiangzi) is where I found fantastic boutique shops and cool cafes. And Well Alley (Jing Xiangzi) bursts with youthful energy, street art, and impromptu performances. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon just watching the old and new worlds seamlessly coexist.

For a deeper dive, the Chéngdū (成都) Museum is a must. It’s massive, modern, and brilliantly laid out. I was blown away by the artifacts from the ancient Shǔ (蜀) Kingdom: intricate bronzes, beautiful embroidery that tell a rich story of this region. A heads-up for non-Mandarin speakers: the exhibits are mostly in Chinese, so consider downloading a translation app or going with a local friend to get the full experience. But for history buffs, it’s an absolute treasure trove.

After the museum, I walked to Tiānfǔ Square (天府广场). It’s hard to imagine now, but this massive public square was once the site of a grand imperial palace. Today, it’s a symbol of Chéngdū (成都)’s rapid modernization, surrounded by skyscrapers and centered around a statue of Máo Zédōng (毛泽东). Standing there, with thousands of commuters flowing through the metro station below, you really feel the vibrant, pulsing energy of the city.

Statue of Máo Zédōng (毛泽东) ; source: wikipedia

No view defines modern Chéngdū (成都) quite like the Twin Financial Towers. These sleek, 480-meter giants are stunning by day, but at night, they put on a light show that left me speechless. For the best photo op, I headed to the Jiāo zǐ (交子) Ring Bridge. Painted a bold “China red,” its flowing design is a tribute to the world’s first paper currency, which was invented right here in Chéngdū (成都). The view of the towers from this spot is simply iconic.

Jiaozi Bridge; source: @nickkuratnik (instagram)

Need a break from history? Taikoo Li (太古里) is your spot. This open-air mall is the epitome of cool, beautiful blend of traditional courtyard style and ultra-modern luxury. I window-shopped at high-end boutiques, sipped coffee, and of course, looked up. The massive sculpture of a panda climbing the building is a classic Chéngdū (成都) scene, and the 4D panda art display is an Instagrammer’s dream come true.

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I ended my days by the Jǐn Jiāng (晋江) River. First, at the beautiful, historical Ānshùn Bridge (安顺桥) . With its elegant pavilions lit up at night, it’s a peaceful, romantic spot perfect for a quiet moment. Then, just a short stroll away, I’d dive into the electric energy of Nine-Eye Bridge (九言桥). This area is the heart of Chéngdū (成都)’s nightlife, packed with buzzing bars and music venues. For me, these two bridges, side-by-side, perfectly represent Chéngdū (成都)’s dual soul: timeless elegance and modern, vibrant energy.

Chéngdū (成都) isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a place you feel. It’s a city that invites you to slow down, sip tea, share a hotpot meal, and find beauty in the balance of old and new. I left a piece of my heart there, and I have a feeling you will, too.

So, which of these spots are going on your list? Is it the pandas, the ancient streets, or maybe something else? Drop your thoughts in the comments on my Youtube videos, I’d love to hear what excites you most!

That’s it for this blog post! If you found this helpful, give it a thumbs up! See you in the next post! Love you all! Thank you!

Travel Deeper, Eat Bolder, Live the Moments, and Follow the Trails.

Bye Bye!

👉 Want to see me Exploring at Chengdu? Watch my 60s short here:

👉 Watch The Full Video Here: